Affordable Electrification Outreach Program

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is offering the Fiscal Year 2026 Affordable Electrification Outreach Program to support nonprofit and community-based organizations in conducting educational outreach on residential electrification. This effort is designed to help reduce energy burdens for low- to moderate-income (LMI) households across Maryland by increasing awareness of how building electrification—paired with energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy solutions—can offer financial, health, and environmental benefits. This competitive grant program directly supports the Climate Solutions Now Act (SB528 2022) and the state’s broader decarbonization goals. Grants will be awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are registered and in good standing in Maryland. Applicants must propose outreach activities that emphasize direct, in-person engagement with residents of single-family and multi-family dwellings. These activities must focus on education about the benefits of electrification, responsible pre-electrification measures, and leveraging available federal, state, and local incentives. Complementary strategies—such as online tools, print materials, and phone-based advising—are encouraged. All projects must prioritize outreach to overburdened communities as defined in Maryland’s Environment Article §1-701. Eligible use of funds includes staffing, demonstration appliances, event costs, outreach supplies, print and digital media, and subgrants to local partners. Indirect costs are reimbursable in alignment with federal guidelines. However, funds cannot be used for installation or contractor work, nor for outreach exclusively targeting businesses or fossil-fuel technologies. Awards will range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $125,000, though higher requests may be considered. Partial awards are permitted. A total of $250,000 is anticipated to be available, subject to adjustment based on applicant demand and available MEA resources. The application process is competitive and structured around four major evaluation criteria: qualifications and experience, project feasibility, justification and metrics, and budget/ROI. Applicants must demonstrate a clear outreach strategy, a plan to serve overburdened communities, and the ability to track mandatory outcome metrics including number of in-person engagements, outreach events, and rebate screenings. Optional letters of support from partners may enhance an application’s competitiveness. All complete proposals must include a narrative, detailed budget, IRS W-9, and proof of good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Applications must be submitted via MEA’s online Jotform portal no later than December 31, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be finalized by March or April 2026. The grant period will last 24 months from the effective date of the grant agreement, with possible extensions available upon request. Grant payments are made in arrears and contingent on quarterly reporting and final closeout documentation. For questions, applicants may contact Ryan Trauley, Program Manager, at [email protected] or call 410-537-4000. Full program details and the official Funding Opportunity Announcement are available on the MEA website.

Prioritize overburdened communities; integrate in-person with digital strategies; track all required quantitative metrics; provide strong justification and feasibility.